Shahid Khan held his first press conference as the owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars after being unanimously approved to take ownership of the team. "I just want to share with you, I'm totally committed to Jacksonville," Khan said early on in his press conference. There has been lots of wild speculation about the chances of the team being moved to a place like Los Angeles with the transfer of ownership, but Khan says he's committed to the city and that has been the sentiment from Wayne Weaver when he spoke with the media announcing the sale.
"Thank for trusting us with the legacy for Jacksonville," Khan said to Weaver as he was introduced. "For me this is kind of a humbling day, it's really a realization of a life long American dream. I'll be spending most of my time in relating to the fans and developing a relationship, the re-birth of the team in Jacksonville where we will win on and off the field."
"It is my renewed commitment to the city and to earn their trust. This is a partnership with the fans. They have to come and support the team, but I am committed to doing whatever it takes to win on the field," said Khan when asked about keeping the franchise in Jacksonville. "What I want to share with the Jacksonville fans is: here I am, reporting for duty ready to serve the fans.". Jaguars fans are certainly energized with the transfer of ownership, as displayed by the massive amount of moustaches seen in the stands on Monday Night Football against the San Diego Chargers a few weeks ago.
When asked about fan nervousness about the franchises future in Jacksonville, Khan replied emphatically, "I stated that very clearly and time is going to show that, that I am committed to Jacksonville. What we need to do is do whatever it takes to get fans engaged."
"I found this family who will continue to have this passion for Jacksonville that I had," current Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver said today. "If you go back and read his story, his first big break was in Jacksonville installing bumpers on Toyota's in the port [Blount Island]. I talked to him about the hurdles of getting an expansion franchise and what we had to go through, so I think he felt a connection to that and the small market. He and his family are from a small market," Weaver added.
Khan ended his press conference by saying, "Let the fun begin."
For more on the Jacksonville Jaguars new owner Shahid Khan and the team, visit SB Nation's Jaguars blog Big Cat Country.